I love this site and Duluth history. I actually just searched Google for the chance of finding any info or images that someone may have shared of my father’s grocery store, Drumm’s Groceries and Meats, or simply just “Drumm’s,” and that search brought me to this thread.

Someone noted above that the store was owned by two sisters in the past and I had heard the same, as well that it had been a coffee shop in a previous configuration -- but all of that had to have been before 1955 as that’s when my mom and dad started Drumm’s Grocery (both Irish immigrants and not sisters -- smile), and they remained at 3101 W. Third St. until 1980. Herb’s store continued on for many more years I think?

Does anyone recall the storefront signage on the building (that’s still there on the corner of Vernon Street) between Drumm’s and Herb’s? Hint, starts with “W.”

I have that curse of rambling on a bit but I’ll stride for brevity by saying I have great memories of growing up in the West End in the 1970s -- especially listening (from behind the glass display candy case/counter) to all the wonderful stories that folks shared with dad, like maybe a new job at Clyde or Garron’s? Knitting Mills, or on “the boats,” DMIR, etc.  

On the flip side, I also heard conversations that reflected the times and changes not welcomed by all back then -- the loss of traffic on Grand Avenue due to the freeway expansion meant lost revenues for some along the former main route, the steel plant closure was a hot topic, and the gas shortages let alone the new thing called, “self-service.” Lol.

But all-in-all fond memories of the neighborhood, the people, the local church bells that played music, and the sounds of the shift-change whistles -- I think -- that came from Clyde Iron that could be heard for miles! Lastly, my gosh the Bryant School custodian had me mesmerized watching him mow the playground. To this day I dream of owning the same old Lawnboy mower he used.

Cheers, Pat Jr.